The Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe is a delightful celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and comforting textures all tossed into one bowl. This salad brilliantly balances the sweetness of peas with the smoky crunch of bacon, the sharp tang of cheddar, and a luscious creamy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s an effortless dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or whenever you crave a side that sparks joy and satisfies the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad is simple but plays a crucial role in building those multi-dimensional flavors and textures that make the Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe so irresistible. From the crisp bacon to the creamy dressing, each component brings its own magic.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that makes the dressing silky smooth.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Balances the sour cream perfectly, giving the dressing richness and body.
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar: Introduces a subtle sweetness that complements the peas.
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar: Provides a bright acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just enough spice for depth without overpowering.
- 4 cups frozen sweet peas (thawed): The star ingredient delivering vibrant color and a juicy, fresh taste.
- 12 strips bacon (cooked until crisp then finely chopped or crumbled): Brings crunch and a smoky, savory punch.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and creamy textures.
- 1/2 a medium red onion (peeled and diced): Provides a slight crunch and a mild sharpness that brightens the salad.
How to Make Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
Start by combining the sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients until the dressing is perfectly smooth and creamy. Pop it in the fridge so it chills and thickens slightly while you prepare the rest of the salad. This step is key since the dressing carries all those bold and fresh flavors that give the salad its irresistible character.
Step 2: Combine the Main Salad Ingredients
Next, take a large mixing bowl and toss in your thawed peas, crispy bacon pieces, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Each of these ingredients introduces a contrasting texture and flavor — the peas are sweet and tender, bacon is crunchy and smoky, cheese is sharp and melty, while onion gives a subtle bite. Mixing them well ensures every bite delivers a fantastic medley.
Step 3: Toss With Dressing and Chill
Pour your chilled dressing over the bowl of salad ingredients and toss everything gently but thoroughly so that every pea and bacon bit is coated in creamy goodness. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. This resting time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the salad’s overall freshness and texture.
How to Serve Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
To make your salad even more appealing, sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. These herbs add a bright herbal note and a pop of green color that livens up the dish visually and flavor-wise. A little extra freshly cracked black pepper on top can also add a nice finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or even alongside a crispy crusty bread. Its creamy texture and bold flavors serve as an excellent contrast to smoky, hearty mains, making your entire meal feel balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or in small, individual jars for parties. You can also layer it with your choice of greens and crunchy croutons for a composed salad bowl. Presentation can elevate this simple recipe to a centerpiece, impressing friends and family every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, but be mindful that the salad may lose some of its crispness over time because of the dressing soaking into the peas and onions.
Freezing
Since this salad relies heavily on the fresh texture of peas and crispness of bacon, freezing is not recommended. Freezing will cause the peas to become mushy and the dressing to separate, compromising the overall quality of the dish.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If your leftovers are chilled, just let them sit out for about 10 minutes to take the chill off before serving. Avoid reheating, as it can melt the cheese unevenly and wilt the salad components.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If fresh peas are in season, blanch them quickly in boiling water and then cool them in ice water before adding to the salad. Fresh peas add an even livelier texture and brightness to the dish.
Is there a good vegetarian substitute for bacon in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace bacon with smoked tempeh or smoky roasted chickpeas for that crunchy, smoky contrast without the meat. They add a fantastic flavor while keeping the salad vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap sour cream and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives, use vegan cheddar-style cheese, and replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh. The creamy, smoky flavors can still shine with these tweaks!
How far ahead can I make the salad before serving?
You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just assemble and toss it all together, then refrigerate. Give it a gentle stir before serving to revive the creaminess.
What can I add to make the salad more colorful?
Feel free to add halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or chopped fresh herbs like dill or basil. These additions brighten up the salad and add exciting new flavors to your Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a bowl of Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe — it’s comforting yet fresh, simple yet packed with flavor. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as much of a crowd-pleaser as I do. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular meal into something memorable, and sharing it always brings a smile. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy, cheesy bite!
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Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes prep + 2-3 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and creamy pea salad featuring sweet peas, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect as a side dish for potlucks, BBQs, or casual gatherings, this salad is easy to prepare and served chilled.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 4 cups frozen sweet peas, thawed
- 12 strips bacon, cooked until crisp then finely chopped or crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 medium red onion, peeled and diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, granulated sugar, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing while you assemble the salad ingredients.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed sweet peas, cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Mix Salad and Dressing: Pour the chilled dressing over the pea mixture, then toss everything well to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the pea salad for 2 to 3 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the peas are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with smoked tempeh or vegetarian bacon bits.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance for convenience and better flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill can enhance freshness.
